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Boulder County Audubon Society
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In this Issue: read a word from our newly elected President, find out about upcoming programs, encounter breeding Baird's Sparrows, revisit the summer season field trips, check out how the Teen Naturalists spent their summer, and more....
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On The Wing
– A Digital Experience
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Welcome to the new digital format of
On The Wing
. This year, with Volume 48 of
On The Wing,
Boulder County Audubon Society is moving to exclusively digital newsletters in the interest of saving trees as well as postage and printing costs. We hope you enjoy this new format. You can read the newsletter in your email or print it from the
website archive
.
GMAIL Users:
We received feedback from the April/May issue of
On The Wing
that some GMAIL users could not read the entire newsletter. This occurs as GMAIL automatically clips longs emails – like newsletters. Where clipped, GMAIL shows you "[Message clipped]
View entire message
". Click on that link and you'll get the full version of your
On The Wing
newsletter.
As we are adapting to this format, we welcome your feedback. Feel free to submit feedback by directly replying to this email. If you'd like to contribute content to future newsletters,
write to us
.
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Last spring, I was privileged to be elected president of the BCASs Board of Directors and will do my best to carry on the tradition of sound and thoughtful leadership that has been provided by Pam Piombino and Steve Jones during the last eight years – very hard shoes to fill! During my term I would like to emphasize both the national and local importance of environmental stewardship and the personal rewards that come from immersing ourselves and our children in the natural world. Our mission of connecting people with nature is founded on the assumption that folks who enjoy the natural world will, in ways large or small, help sustain it.
BCAS is fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated Board of Directors to help guide the organization and implement its programs. Our three newest directors — Tracy Pheneger, Curtis Williams, and Kathleen Sully — are already supporting BCAS’s monthly programs (Tracy), financial health (Curtis) and conservation advocacy (“Sully”).
One of the strengths of BCAS is the quality of volunteers beyond the active Board. This year we have several dedicated members volunteering in several important capacities: Steve Jones stepping up to manage our field trips, Pam Piombino continuing to organize our Interludes with Nature trips, and new volunteers Megan Jones Patterson editing the
On The Wing
newsletter and the website, Mac Kobza giving us much needed technical backstopping for our website, and Board Fellow Audrey Calhoun who has really upgraded our social media presence (
Facebook
,
Twitter
,
Instagram
)! But we are eager to have greater member involvement throughout BCAS activities. To help you better understand the ongoing programs and committees that you can become involved in, please check out our newly updated
Committee list
– including open committee positions. We need active participation by members to help BCAS realize its full potential. Over the next few months we’ll be working to improve our outreach to tap the wide variety of skills and interests of our members.
My email door is always open! Please let me know your thoughts and ideas for BCAS and how you would like to get involved!
Thank You!
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BCAS 4th Tuesday Program Series
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Jan Lenaerts – The Greenland Ice Sheet: An Awakening Arctic Giant!
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Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 7:15p.m.
Join us to kick off the 2018/2019 BCAS speaker series and monthly programs.
The Greenland Ice Sheet holds a volume of ice that is equivalent to 7 meters of sea level rise! Based on his on-site research, satellite observations, and climate and ice models work,
Dr. Jan Lenaerts
, Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado, will bring us up to date on the pace of the current melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the likely future, and what the real drivers are in the atmosphere, in the ocean, and on the ground.
We'll also consider how this relates to birds.
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Amber Carver – Grazing regimes and ground nesting birds
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Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 7:15p.m.
Join us to hear an update on Dana Bove's group's research on Bald and Golden Eagles in the Front Range, and then we'll jump into gaining a better understanding of the impacts of grazing regimes on ground nesting birds from Amber Carver.
Amber Carver
has been exploring how McCown’s Longspurs and other grassland birds respond to the grazing regimes on the shortgrass prairie in Northeastern Colorado. Amber has a background in field ornithology, and her interests include research, conservation, and science communication.
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All program meetings are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder,
5001 Pennsylvania Ave (west off 55th St. between Arapahoe and Baseline).
Meeting are from 7:15–9p.m.
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This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), our most important bird protection law is under attack. A new interpretation of the MBTA by the administration ends the ability to hold industries accountable for bird deaths, and legislation in Congress (HR 4239) would make this change permanent.
Urge your members of Congress and the Department of the Interior to uphold the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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Action Alert: Support the MBTA
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In May of this year, in response to the Administration’s attempts to significantly weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a coalition of national environmental groups, including the National Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, filed litigation,
National Audubon Society v. Department of the Interior
, in the Southern District of New York challenging the Administration’s move to eliminate longstanding protections for waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Stay updated with the fight to support the MTBA and make your voice heard through
FastAction with the National Audubon Society.
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Art Exhibition – Hungry Birds: The Photography of David Leatherman
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The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History is currently hosting an exhibition of David Leatherman's avian photographs.
Knowing what food birds eat is critical for bird conservation efforts. Obtaining more specific data about bird food habits has been a passion of David Leatherman for many years. With high-resolution digital photography and a bit of luck, it is sometimes possible for specialists to identify insects to the species level and to capture information about the plants that sustain birds through the seasons.
The exhibition runs through December 1 2018.
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Scott Rashid Needs Our Help
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Scott Radish is an invaluable part of our Boulder County birding community. For many years he has been a wonderful source of information and training about Front Range songbirds, hummingbirds, hawks, falcons and owls. Through his nonprofit,
Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute
, he has rescued, rehabbed, and banded thousands of birds for research and to help ensure their survival. He has offered free training to local youth and adults on banding, feeding and the care of birds for decades. He has authored books and presentations to educate us on the birds we love and given his time to save the birds that only pay him back through their continued existence.
Now Scott needs our help. His beloved wife, Susan, recently passed and his dedication to her over the course of her illness cost him his day job where he had been working for the last seven years. For all that Scott has given us (and the birds) through the decades; we need to come to his assistance now. You can do so through his
GoFundMe campaign
set up by Tracy Pheneger.
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Beyond Borders: Music & Words for the Year of the Bird
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Birds embody freedom and connect us across cultures. 2018 marks the centennial of the signing of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and over 180 organizations have declared this the Year of the Bird.
Join Louisville musicians, writers, and artists in celebrating the joy of migratory birds with music and prose expressing what birds mean to each person. Listen, write, compose, perform: there's a role in the community concert/reading for you!
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This poem was written by one of Boulder County Audubon Society’s founding members, Nina Johnson, who died in 2012. Her son, Kurt Johnson, found this piece written on a piece of cardboard at her beloved vacation cabin at Elk Mountain, Wyoming. Daughter, Kris Lopez shared this with me, and now, as we head into autumn, I'd like to share it with all of you.
Besides raising 7 children, Nina worked at Boulder Valley Schools and at the National Wildlife Federation. She was active with Boulder County Audubon Society until late in her life as well as with the Sierra Club, Boulder Center for International Visitors, and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
Nina attended the University of Michigan, where she was editor of the school paper, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in journalism. I will always remember her fondly for her dedication to the environment and as one of the last of the all time great letter writers. Her missives were always filled with wisdom, passion, humor, insight and love.
I miss her dearly.
Pam Piombino
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I walk amid signs of autumn change:
Shifting winds over the meadow stacked with hay
The birds are at rest and barely twitter and sing;
Building nests – finding food – feeding the young –
their frantic work is done.
A special sort of peace on the still-green landscape
but I lift my eyes – to see that fall does not bring change
on Highway 80.
The river is low now and sun-sparkling,
It has lost its springtime threat.
Only a few hardy asters and western yarrow dot the grasses:
Looking down I forget
the sound of Highway 80.
I look up and hear a closer welcome sound
The geese are not ready to go,
just practicing their V-formation against the bluest blue sky.
I watch them fly, and try to deny
the sight of Highway 80.
A magnet that won't let go
no matter how hard I pull away
to focus on the wonders of this land, and this early-autumn stand
Still my eyes pull toward
Highway 80.
Tiny cars, tiny trucks,
Matchbox toy trucks of my children's youth,
the faint but constant rumble
Fascinating from this distance,
not a threat to my existence,
but I know what it means
to be on Highway 80.
More plastic, more boxes of everything,
more boxes of nothing, more Wal-Marts.
Do we need it all
to complete this season of fall?
Would that I could stretch a
ribbon of green across the pavement
of Highway 80!
But wait! That corridor also
brings stock, seed, feed --
the things the ranchers need
The things the ranchers send.
For better or worse, like a marriage vow,
the West is built
around Highway 80.
But hear my hope: That the Highway 80s of
the world can keep their distance
while I contemplate autumn's loveliness
For one beautiful afternoon,
near to Highway 80.
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Rare Baird's Sparrow Breeds at Soapstone Prairie near Ft. Collins
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Exciting news from Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the City of Fort Collins. Story reprinted from Press Release.
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Juvenile Baird's Sparrow at Soapstone Prairie. Photo by Andy Bankert
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Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department have confirmed that Baird's Sparrows are actively breeding at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, a first-ever record of the species reproducing in Colorado.
After several weeks of intensive nest searching and observation, adult Baird’s Sparrow were discovered carrying food to at least three fledglings in an off-limits area of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The fairly young fledglings and singing males were observed in a shortgrass prairie ecosystem.
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This finding is remarkable because the Baird's Sparrow (
Ammodramus bairdii
) has never been confirmed breeding in Colorado. The heart of their breeding range is hundreds of miles away in northeastern Montana, western North Dakota, and southern Canada. This discovery is heartening news because it indicates that this grassland specialist species, which has been declining for decades, has the ability to successfully colonize and nest in habitat very far away from its typical range. That ability is important as grassland areas across North America change due to conversion to agriculture, changes in grazing practices and climate change.
The discovery is a tribute to the ecological management of Soapstone Prairie by City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and local grazing associations. The Baird’s Sparrows’ nest is evidence that the goal of maintaining healthy, intact grassland areas is being achieved. Baird’s and other grassland birds prefer taller vegetation, which also fosters a productive landscape for cattle and other wildlife. Bird Conservancy and City of Fort Collins are both committed to grassland conservation.
Birders wishing to see or hear Baird's Sparrows can try looking for them by parking at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area’s South Parking Lot then taking the southern portion of the Pronghorn Trail. At the Pronghorn/Plover junction, head south to an area of taller grass.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is an on-trail only site. The Baird's Sparrow nests and juveniles are in a conservation area that is not accessible to the public. Visitors are reminded that trails are regularly patrolled, and visitors must observe all natural area regulations.
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Exploring Enchanted Ovenbird Habitat on Carpenter Peak
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On June 18, 2018, 11 participants in a Boulder County Audubon
Interludes with Nature
trip hiked 1.5 miles up the Carpenter Peak trail in
Roxborough State Park
to search for singing Ovenbirds and other natural wonders. On the way up we saw a Prairie Falcon prominently perched on one of the red rock cliffs and were serenaded by grosbeaks, towhees, gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, and Lazuli Buntings. A mule deer stood nursing her spotted fawn in one of the trailside meadows.
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We arrived at our destination, a peaceful grove of old-growth Douglas fir/scrub oak forest, just as the morning mist melted away. Our picnic brunch in the woods was accompanied by near-constant song from at least three different ovenbirds. A little higher up, the view from the ridge of the red rock formations, rich green oak woodlands, and lush meadows took our breath away.
One last treat! While crossing Willow Creek on the way down we heard what sounded like a Yellow Warbler singing close to the trail. Topi Martinez found the bird with his binoculars and proclaimed: "Chestnut-sided Warbler!" A perfect ending to a serene morning.
Image Top:
Emerging from the enchanted forest on Carpenter Peak and brimming with Ovenbird joy!
Image Right:
Scarlet Gilia, Carpenter Peak
Image Bottom:
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Willow Creek drainage
Contributors: Mary Balzer, Lillian Connolly, Eric Fontenot, Steve Jones, Gerry Kelly, Elena Klaver, Mike Kreith, Topi Martinez, Barb and Mark Sheedlo, Claudia VanWie, Ru Wing, Jeremy and Roby Winick.
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Boulder Audubon Teen Naturalists
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Learning to Appreciate Watching Birds at Hog Island
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By Pablo Quezada
The week of June 17–22 was truly a one of a kind experience. The Hog Island Audubon Camp just off coastal Maine combined aspects of both the science and enjoyment of birding. A week consisting of bird banding, audio recording, and helping researchers at Eastern Egg Rock with tern and puffin monitoring is just a little taste of my experience at Hog Island.
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The highlight of the week for me was being able to hone my audio and visual skills of eastern birds as well as get to know part of the East Coast birding community. Seeing other young birders with the same appreciation for the natural world is really inspiring and gives me faith that we will continue to live in a world where nature is still valued. This experience helped me feel more interconnected with birds and motivated me to get more young people to aspire to birding.
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Common Tern with chick.
Photo: Pablo Quezada
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Participants in the Hog Island camp viewing a Black-throated Green Warbler while observing bird banding operations. Photo: Pablo Quezada
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Atlantic Puffin observed at Eastern
Egg Rock. Photo: Pablo Quezada
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Not only were the birds great, but excellent nightly lectures, as well as ornithology lessons during the day, covering a variety of topics increased my knowledge of birds and their relationship to humans. Additionally, I will admit that as a lister I’ve focused on the competitive aspect of birding rather than just taking time to enjoy every bird I see. A birder will look at a bird and move on but a birdwatcher, which I’d like to now consider myself, takes time to enjoy every bird individually.
This mix of great birding and great socializing couldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Boulder County Audubon and everyone else who supported me through the process. Thank you all for making this opportunity possible and I hope many young birders will get to experience Hog Island in the future.
Editor's Note: Pablo’s experience, and that of other young birders each year, is supported through the Interludes with Nature field trips. Thank you to all the BCAS members who participate in these trips and enable BCAS to support our wonderful young birders access these experiences.
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Nature Notes with Eva: Recent Nebraska Trips
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By Eva Getman
A few months ago, I was lucky enough to join the
Boulder Audubon Teen Naturalists
on two trips to Nebraska. The first was to see the Sandhill Cranes’ age-old migration over the Platte River. The second was to see the Greater Prairie-Chicken and the Sharp-tailed Grouse perform their mating dances in the secluded beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills.
Both trips were amazing experiences! Getting lost in the calls of the cranes and watching the chickens and grouse dance right on the sunrise was truly unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to Boulder Audubon for organizing these adventures and many years of dedicated service to birds.
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For a full account of my experiences on these two incredible journeys, you can visit my blog:
Nature Notes with Eva.
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Sunrise glow highlights a male Greater Prairie-Chicken dancing. Photos: Eva Getman
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Upcoming Events & Field Trips
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Rabbit Mountain with Carl Starace
Friday, September 21, 2018; 8:30 am–11:00 am
Free, no reservation required.
Where to meet: Rabbit Mountain parking lot.
Join us to enjoy the sweeping vistas from Rabbit Mountain while scanning for Western Bluebirds, Sage Thrashers, Red Crossbills, and, perhaps, a soaring Golden Eagle or two.
Birds and Brews: Let’s bird Golden Ponds in Longmont!
Sunday October 7, 2018; 4:00 pm with beers afterward
Free, no limit
Leader: Steve Jones
Where to meet: Golden Ponds Park parking area.
After birding from 4:00 to 6:00pm, we will meet at Oscar Blues brewery, 1555 S. Hover Rd. (right next to the Diagonal, Highway 119) for some libations purchased by you and snacks provided by Boulder County Audubon Society. Extra binoculars will be available. Come join our fun!
Golden Ponds with Carl Starace
Friday, October 26, 2018
8:30 am–11:00am.
No cost, no reservations needed
Where to meet: Meet at the Golden Ponds main lot on 3rd St, west of Hover Road
Longmont’s most popular birding venue supports lots of migrating ducks this time of year, along with a nice variety of songbirds in its creekside cottonwoods and fields. Wood Ducks and Cedar Waxwings are always a strong possibility.
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Boulder County Audubon Society
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Officers
President:
Patricia Billig
Vice President:
Pam Piombino
Secretary:
Georgia Briscoe
Treasurer:
Curtis Williams
Additional Members of the Board
Ray Bridge
Cindy Maynard
Tracy Pheneger
Kathleen Sullivan
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Interested in one or more of the standing committees? Want to be more active in your society? Contact
BCAS
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Become a Supporting Member of BCAS
We get very little return from National Audubon dues and primarily rely on local funding to support Boulder County Audubon Society activities.
Join your local society today.
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Committees
BCAS Email Coordinator
Bluebird Trail Coordinator
Conservation
- Ray Bridge (303-499-8496), Kathleen Sullivan
Education
- Steve Jones, Pat Billig, Maureen Lawry, Carol McCasland
Field Trips
- Steve Jones, Pam Piombino
Membership
Nature-Net Moderator
Newsletter
Programs
Social Engagement
- Pat Billig, Mac Kobza, Megan Jones Patterson, Audrey Calhoun, Cindy Maynard
Special Events
- International Migratory Bird Day – OPEN
- Holiday Sale – OPEN
- Christmas Bird Count – OPEN
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STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR BCAS
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